Shillong, Feb 27: Following the reported deaths of two Agniveer trainees due to suspected meningococcal bacterial infection at the Assam Regimental Centre (ARC) here, the state government has issued an advisory urging people to avoid crowded places and follow health protocols.
At present, 28 other trainees with suspected infection are admitted to the Military Hospital. Authorities have instituted isolation and surveillance protocols. Mass gatherings have been suspended until further orders and inter-company mixing for training and social interaction has been restricted.
Health and Family Welfare Commissioner& Secretary Joram Beda in the advisory said the East Khasi Hills District Surveillance Unit has initiated an active epidemiological investigation. “Case investigation, contact tracing, laboratory review, and surveillance strengthening measures are currently underway,” he said.
The government assured the public that the situation is under close monitoring and is under control, with no new suspected cases detected in any other area. It said all necessary public health measures, including identification and monitoring of close contacts and implementation of appropriate preventive interventions, are being carried out as per standard outbreak response protocols.
The government advised people to avoid crowded areas, wear masks in crowded places, practise good respiratory hygiene, and wash their hands regularly with soap and sanitiser. It also asked people to report to the nearest medical facility in cases of sudden high fever, headache, vomiting, rapidly spreading purpuric (purple-coloured spots or patches) rashes, pale limbs at a later stage, and circulatory collapse, shock, and multi-organ failure.
Meanwhile, the Defence PRO Shillong said there are no fresh cases of suspected meningococcal infection at the ARC. “Intensive monitoring and surveillance is being carried out by the Army medical authorities. Medical facilities have been augmented as necessary,” he said.
The PRO said as a precautionary measure, contacts of the earlier case are under isolation at MH Shillong. “Masking and restricted movement protocol continue to be in place,” he said.
“Military medical authorities have apprised Meghalaya health authorities of the current situation and developments. The situation is being closely monitored and there is no cause of concern,” the PRO added.
Meningococcal disease includes meningitis, meningococcal septicemia or a combination of both and can progress rapidly. If left untreated, the disease has a high mortality rate.
